WWE Smackdown! vs. Raw 2008: Main Event Mode

You know about the gameplay, we've announced the wrestlers, and you've seen it in action through direct-feed video, but there's still more to learn about THQ's first WWE effort on Wii, and we're here to break down yet another aspect of Smackdown! vs. Raw 2008: Main Event Mode.

The idea behind Main Event Mode is simple; you're in charge of your own destiny. While WWE has always offered a season mode, exhibition matches, and multiplayer, Wii's main event gameplay centers around a totally immersive, realistic WWE experience, including everything from brand rivalries, backstage drama, and title bouts that will make or break your career.

Main Event Mode begins with either your character selection, or full-blow create-a-wrester, should you chose to go that route. Right off the bat you'll need to pledge allegiance to a brand - Smackdown!, Raw, or ECW - which will determine what potential tag partners you can match up with, which rivalries you'll be getting into, and what belts you can go for. Don't expect to grab the WWE title if you're part of ECW, jabroni.

Once you've aligned yourself with a crew, it's all about defining your player's attitude within the WWE, and setting yourself up for success. You'll need to instantly decide if you're a "clean" or "dirty" wrestler - basically a beginning outline of your fighting style, since dirty fighting leans more towards heel fighting, whereas a clean wrestler can easily win the crowd over and become a face much easier. Finalize your player's initial attitude and brand, and it's on to the meat of the game.

After your first introductory match you'll be outfitted with everything you'll need to either succeed or fail in the WWE. You can navigate the locker room and check the WWE superstar standings on the WWE.com Power 25, you'll have your cell phone which is similar to other pager functions in games, essentially working as a notification system that keeps you connected with potential rivalries and allies, and get updates from your brand GM.

Where the game gets extremely deep, however, is in the week-to-week gameplay that comes from the decisions you make. Align yourself with the right tag partners and you'll find yourself on the fast track to title bouts. Piss the wrong people off, however, and the crowd may not love you so much, so it's a balancing act of getting the matches you want, winning them, but also winning over the fans both in and out of the right. It takes more than pinfalls to make it in the WWE; you better be able to draw a crowd as well.

Also included in the Wii version of the game is a ton of Mii integration, which you can find pictured in our gallery below. All profiles, Main Event Mode interface screens, and general user-specific data and options are attached to your Mii, so as you rise ranks from jobber to superstar you'll see your iconic avatar raise in popularity as well. Team that with a full create-a-player mode, and this expansive Main Even Mode which lets you live the life of a superstar both in and outside of the ring, and you've got one of the deepest experiences on Wii thus far. Everyone wants the fame, but can you handle the pressure?